Lib Dems - gimmicks won't cut crime

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 23rd Jan 2007

Lib Dems believe that only real action, not headline chasing gimmicks, will cut crime

Local Liberal Democrats have reacted to the news that Sheffield is to be one of the 40 new 'respect zones' by calling on the Labour council to take real action against crime and anti-social behaviour.

Lib Dems believe that gimmicks will not cut crime in the local area. They have highlighted past council failures on dealing with anti-social behaviour despite previous new powers and announcements.

In Sheffield during 2005 every single ASBO issued was breached, with one ASBO being breached by one individual a total of 24 times. Lib Dems believe that that the example shows new powers and headline chasing gimmicks will not bring cuts to crime and anti-social behaviour.

Since 1997 the Home Office under a Labour Government has produced record legislation on crime and anti-social behaviour. There has been over 59 new bills and 3,000 new criminal offences created. Despite this crime and anti-social behaviour has become worse.

Lib Dems believe in real action. On the council have previously proposed to put more wardens on the beat to deal with crime and anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Paul Scriven, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Sheffield City Council, said:

"The people of Sheffield demand to see real action against those who blight our lives with unacceptable behaviour and crime. But this Labour council must remember that only real action, not headline chasing gimmicks, will cut crime and anti-social behaviour in our local area"

"We have seen the council fail to tackle this issue despite previous announcements and new legislation from the Home Office. For example in 2005 every single ASBO issued in Sheffield was breached, with one order being breached an astonishing 24 times by an individual"

"This record of failure shows Labour needs to change its strategy by looking past headlines in order to deliver real improvements for our city"

"Liberal Democrats believe that we need real action to see a cut in crime. That's why we have proposed on the council to have extra wardens patrolling the streets. We believe that it's this sort of direct action which can be is the most effective. I hope that Labour listen to us and start to deliver on their promise to make Sheffield safer."